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Silver rectangular CPU with gold contacts and Intel branding

Intel

Intel Core i9-12900K BX8071512900K desktop processor

SKU CH-VRE6-NS3DP MPN BX8071512900K

16-core desktop CPU with 24 threads, up to 5.2 GHz turbo, 30 MB L3 cache, DDR4 and DDR5 support, and integrated UHD 770 graphics

  • Product nameCore i9-12900K
  • CPU cores16-Core (8P+8E)
  • CPU socketLGA 1700
  • Maximum turbo clockIntel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Frequency: Up to 5.2 GH
  • TDP ratingProcessor Base Power: 125 W Maximum Turbo Power: 241 W
  • Processor classDesktop
  • 16 cores and 24 threads handle heavy multitasking with ease
  • Up to 5.2 GHz max turbo frequency accelerates single-thread workloads
  • 30 MB L3 cache plus 14 MB L2 cache reduces memory latency
  • DDR4-3200 and DDR5-4800 support with 128 GB maximum capacity
  • Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 provides display output without a discrete GPU

Alder Lake 16-core desktop processor

The Intel Core i9-12900K combines eight Performance cores and eight Efficient cores for 24 threads in an LGA 1700 package. It targets enthusiasts and professionals who need high single-thread speed and scalable multi-thread throughput for content creation, compilation and gaming workloads. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 provides display output without a discrete card. The 12th Gen architecture supports both DDR4 3200 and DDR5 4800 memory in dual-channel mode up to 128 GB.

125 W base power 241 W maximum turbo

Processor Base Power is rated at 125 W while Maximum Turbo Power reaches 241 W under heavy all-core loads. A capable cooler is required to sustain high frequencies without thermal throttling. At idle or light desktop use the hybrid design shifts work to Efficient cores keeping power draw and fan noise low. Under sustained AVX or render workloads expect the chip to approach its turbo limit and produce correspondingly more heat.

5.2 GHz Turbo Boost Max 3.0 frequency

The highest single-core frequency reaches 5.2 GHz via Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 while a single P-core can hit 5.1 GHz and an E-core 3.9 GHz. This peak speed governs responsiveness in lightly threaded tasks such as game logic or UI interaction. If your workload depends on burst single-thread performance this figure is the deciding factor; heavily parallel tasks rely more on the 16-core 24-thread aggregate.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Desktop Processors, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $394.99
Pricier than about 81% of the 494 comparable items (median $149.99).
CPU cores 16-Core (8P+8E)
Higher than about 70% of the 271 comparable items (median 8).
TDP rating Processor Base Power: 125 W Maximum Turbo Power: 241 W
Higher than about 70% of the 320 comparable items (median 95 W).

New to this? Buying a processor with crypto — what to check, what it costs to pay, and what is never asked for.

Specifications

Product
Brand nameIntel
Product lineCore i9 12th Gen
Model nameBX8071512900K
Product nameCore i9-12900K
Performance
Working frequencyP-core Base Frequency: 3.2 GHz
E-core Base Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Processor
CPU cores16-Core (8P+8E)
CPU socketLGA 1700
Maximum turbo clockIntel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Frequency: Up to 5.2 GHz
Single P-core Turbo Frequency: Up to 5.1 GHz
Single E-core Turbo Frequency: Up to 3.9 GHz
TDP ratingProcessor Base Power: 125 W
Maximum Turbo Power: 241 W
Processor classDesktop
Processor codenameAlder Lake
CPU threads24-Threads
Level 2 cache14 MB
Level 3 cache30 MB
Process nodeIntel 7
CPU instruction set64-Bit
Hyper-ThreadingYes
Virtualization supportYes
Max PCIe lanes20
Memory
Supported memoryDDR4 3200 / DDR5 4800
Channel configuration2
Memory limit128 GB
ECC memorySupported
Maximum memory bandwidth76.8 GB/s
Graphics
Built-in graphicsIntel UHD Graphics 770
GPU base clock300 MHz
Graphics max dynamic frequency1.55 GHz
Ports & slots
PCIe generation5.0 / 4.0 / 3.0
Size & build
Shipping weight0.09 kg
Package size168 × 142 × 135 mm
Compatibility
Compatible systemsWindows 11
In the box
Included coolerNot included - Processor Only

Questions about this item

How do I install the Core i9-12900K into an LGA 1700 socket, and what step do people get wrong?

Align the processor triangle with the socket marker, lower it straight down without touching the gold contacts, then close the retention lever until it clicks. The common mistake is forcing the lever before the chip sits flat, which can bend socket pins.

What maintenance or replacement will the Core i9-12900K need later?

Plan to replace the thermal interface material between the CPU heat spreader and your cooler every two to three years. The integrated UHD Graphics 770 and memory controller require no service, but dried paste raises temperatures under the 241 W turbo power limit.

What limit shows up first on the Core i9-12900K during sustained all-core workloads?

The 241 W maximum turbo power ceiling is reached before the 5.1 GHz single-core turbo can be held across all 16 cores, so the processor throttles frequency to stay within that power envelope.

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